Conversations With Colleen: Meet Author, Sally Cronin

Hello everyone! This week I’m happy to bring you an author we all know and love, Sally Cronin.

Sally is a fixture in our blogging community who supports authors in every stage of the game. Her blog, Smorgasbord Blog Magazine, is a blog magazine for lovers of health, food, books, music, humor, and life in general.

Here are a few of the features you will find in the Smorgasbord Blog Magazine:

And, these are only a few of the highlights offered on Sally Cronin’s blog. You will definitely want to stop by and have a visit. Her blog is a virtual magazine filled with love, humor, and music! There’s something for everyone.

With the Christmas season well underway, it occurred to me that one way to thank Sally for everything she’s done for our writing community is to share more about this lovely lady. When I asked her to pick three or four questions from my huge list HERE, she willingly complied. I didn’t have to beg or anything! Now, that’s a true friend! <3

Sally Cronin – Author & Blog Community Organizer

I have been a storyteller most of my life (my mother called them fibs!). Poetry, song lyrics and short stories were left behind when work and life intruded, but that all changed in 1996. My first book Size Matters was a health and weight loss book based on my own experiences of losing 70kilo. I have written another ten books since then on health and also fiction including three collections of short stories. I am an indie author and proud to be one. My greatest pleasure comes from those readers who enjoy my take on health, characters and twisted endings… and of course come back for more.

REVIEWS are so very important for an author and I am very grateful for the feedback that my books receive. If you have purchased or been gifted one of my books I would love to hear what you think about it.

As a writer I know how important it is to have help in marketing books.. as important as my own promotion is, I believe it is important to support others. I offer a number of FREE promotional opportunities on my blog and linked to my social media. If you are an author who would like to be promoted to a new audience of dedicated readers, please contact me via my blog. All it will cost you is a few minutes of your time. Look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you so much, Colleen, for inviting me over to visit… particularly at this special time of the year.

I love visiting with you, Sally. I’m thrilled you’re here. I’ve been meaning to ask you… What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

When writing about the opposite sex I believe the most difficult thing is getting emotional interactions right. Men are just as emotional as women but usually show it in a different way. Not all men are emotionally demonstrative, telling you they love you all the time and wanting to hug every five minutes. They tend to show you how much they love you by actions rather than words. It is useful to remember that telling a man you have a problem prompts him into immediate action to solve the issue.

When two women get together, they talk out the problem and come up with a solution that usually does not require calling out the National Guard or dismantling half the kitchen. If you get my drift? This does require some careful thought about how your lead characters are going to react.

However, it is fun to create that spark between two people or to create a male character that is not stereotypical and who approaches both females and other males in a unique way.

That’s fabulous advice. You know, I think you’re a prolific writer. So, what does the word ‘retirement’ mean to you? Do you think writers ever retire?

I think that women never retire anyway. And these days even men approach it very differently than even 10 years ago. Our middle age has spread (not middle age spread) between 50 and 70 now and our attitudes are different.

There is still work to be done, whether it is taking care of the three main investments in life such as our body, the roof over our heads or the next generation. With the cost of elderly care, and in a lot of cases the quality of care offered, staying in our own homes, as healthy as possible, is a full-time job in itself. At least you can put off the day you have to leave as long as possible and have sufficient equity in both body and home, to end up somewhere that offers us a chance to end our lives still being stimulated and well fed!

I’ve had the pleasure of reading a few of your books, and have loved each of them. Which of your books would you want to be adapted for the silver screen?

I am hoping you mean one of mine… as I would love to see Just an Odd Job Girl made into a film. I am biased of course, but because most of the stories about the jobs are based on my own experiences, it would be great to see on the big screen. It is not a bestseller by any means, but it has romance, humour and seems to touch people. Who knows? What it needs is for me to get off my backside and finish the screenplay that I have started.

Sally, I’ve learned a lot about self-publishing from your blog. How do you think concepts such as Kindle and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?

I love print books and have far too many to read again in my lifetime on our real bookshelves. However, I do believe that e-books that are available on all devices, encourage all ages to read more.

Young people have access to books for learning purposes as well as in so many fiction genres, with most suitable for younger age groups. The vast majority of books will broaden your mind in some way; they make you think and use your imagination, and that is part of the learning process.

Travel these days is so different to only 10 years ago when I used to cart five of six books away with me on trips. Today there is barely room for a change of underwear in the luggage allowance, so my Kobo is my most treasured travel companion.

My mother stopped reading books when she began to suffer from cataracts, and even after the two operations, she still found it hard to focus in poor light and with small print. And I notice even with reading glasses, that the print in my older books is so small, that I have to resort to wearing two pairs at a time… Not a good look, especially in public. The varying format function on e-book readers is an absolute boon.

There is, of course, the question of cost too, that makes e-books so much more available to nearly everyone. Whilst as an author, I do think about the months, years, toil and strive that went into writing the book, placing a much higher value on them as a commodity. I do love it that more people can enjoy.

I know you blog, Sally. Can you explain how blogging helps you to sell books?

Do I blog?… Do I ever, and according to some, far too frequently to be effective or healthy. Firstly, I am not particularly keen on the term hobby blogger. For me, and for many who spend as many hours putting together posts and promoting them, as they did in any full-time job, this is work. And yes, I doubt very much that I would have sold any of my books if it was not for my blogging.

It is every author’s dream that readers will rush to buy their books, but unfortunately, with millions of titles per year being published, it takes quite a bit of effort to get your own noticed.

“It is a cliché, but we do need to build a brand that brings us up in searches and a platform to market ourselves and our books.” ~ Sally Cronin~

Blogging is the heart of social media and offers an opportunity for writers to showcase their creative skills, even it if is a post on the weather. It fixes them in the minds of their readers and when and if they publish a book, those readers are far more likely to buy it.

You cannot blog without linking to social media. To be honest I find it easier and more effective to focus on just three social media sites and build them over time to be effective carriers of the message you want to spread.

My blog is my testing ground for my books, it is a way to share the knowledge I have gained in the last twenty years as a nutritional therapist, and is also a watering hole where other writers and importantly readers can meet, discuss and share.

I love the fact that I have followers from around the world and I can be chatting to someone in India in the morning and in California a few hours later. I adore reading their posts and am only sorry that I don’t have enough hours in the day to read more. The generosity of the blogging community is legendary and I am privileged to be a part of it.

This time of year in the run-up to Christmas is magical in Blogland, and I am looking forward to discovering even more talented bloggers in the next few weeks.

So be prepared… I intend continuing to break the rules for many years to come…

I have one more question. I just finished reading “Tales of the Irish Garden. “You’re an Irish lass (I think)… What was your inspiration for the fairies and the fairy kingdom? Do you have a connection to the good neighbors? If so, I would love to hear that story.

I am Irish on my mother’s side and it turns out way back on my father’s too. My husband is Irish from Waterford and also Wexford and with family in Dublin and surroundings we decided to settle back in Wexford after our travels.

The original story of the fairy court set in our Spanish garden was triggered by a couple of incidents. One day I was sitting on our back terrace by the Magnolia tree, which happened to be in bloom at the time, and I suddenly saw movement in the blossoms. I went closer and discovered it was bees who were very excited by the nectar from these short-lived flowers. It made the tree come alive.

The second reinforcement was the arrival of a very special moth which looks a little like a hummingbird but much smaller. When I researched it, I discovered it was in fact called the Hummingbird hawk moth. It too would visit the magnolia tree every evening and it looked like a fairy from a distance as it flitted around the leaves and flowers.

That was a very enjoyable morning read. Thank you for inviting Sally over to your site for an interview, Colleen. She is such an aspiring and inspiring lady, with energy levels in regards to blogging and writing much higher than I could ever muster!

I enjoyed getting to know her better and especially snickered when reading her knowledge and experience about men. So true! Every time I have an issue (usually computer-related), I would mention it to my husband and he would immediately jump to action, while I don’t really have time to get the problem solved right there right that moment, as I’m in the middle of doing something on the laptop. When will I learn? 🙂

So wonderful to see Sally over here, Colleen. I love Sally’s writing and blog and have said a bunch of times that I don’t know how she does it. I liked her answer on retirement. What retirement? Someday, she’ll have to retire from retirement. 🙂 Wishing you both a wonderful week.

What a gorgeous interview with Sally, Colleen. I thoroughly enjoyed reading a little more of Sally’s history and her views on so many things.
I agree with Sally about the benefits and disadvantages of ebooks. They are so easy to transport and to flit from one title to another. They’re also easy to collect. I enjoy audiobooks too. They allow me to read at times when my hands are busy but my mind is not.
I also agree with Sally’s dismay at the reference to hobby blogging. As for Sally, to me it’s work. It’s purposeful. It’s not just filling in time. It’s an attempt to build my brand and my business, though I don’t do nearly as much of it as Sally does. She’s prolific, and a great supporter of other writers.
How wonderful it would be for Sally to finish her screenplay and see her stories up on the big screen.
I also loved finding out the origin of her Irish garden. What a beautiful moth is the hummingbird hawk moth. Stunning!

That was my goal, Norah. I hoped to share more about the author as a person so we could all get to know them better. I love learning about the inspiration behind why an author wrote a particular book. Especially when we can make connections with the person and their writing. Hugs for reading and sharing, Norah. <3

Thank you Norah.. and you have little time on your hands and such an important service to teachers, who are always trying to find creative ways to encourage young children to absorb all they need to know at each stage of their development. And with everyone giving me a kick up the proverbial backside… I will get that screenplay finished next year. hugs

Reading this post and interview is like reading an article about a master blogging /writing/publishing wise guru. And when you think about it, that is exactly what Sally is. What a wonderful job you do here, Colleen, bringing out all of Sally’s wonderful attributes. 💜🙏👌

It’s good to see you here, Sally. I agree with you that these days, people don’t seem to retire. I retired eight years ago but I’m busier than ever, good thing that I’m doing what I always want to do – creative writing, photography and gardening. It’s true that we spend a lot of time keeping ourselves healthy, and you health, nutrition, and food column comes in handy.

You’re an inspiration to me and I thank you for being so generous to many in this blogging community. <3 <3

Thank you Miriam.. and it would be an awful waste if we just retired and filed away all the knowledge and experience we had gathered over our working lives. All those skills can move across into our new line of work, whatever that might be. Glad you find the health column helpful. I try to practice what I preach but it is not always easy!!! Particularly at this time of year.. hugs ♥♥

I had one of those hummingbird hawk moths visit my lilac in Alberta and everyone thought I was making it up! Glad to see I’m not crazy-yet, lol.
Enjoyed this interview and learning more about your writing process, Sally. So happy to call you friend <3

I can just see “Odd Job Girl” The movie in lights featuring the fabulous Sally Cronin…I agree with all the comments Sally is a wonderful giving soul who has helped me immensely…A wonderful interview Colleen <3

As many have already said, Sally is a great role model for us all, and an absolute star. Many bloggers and writers would never have become as well known as they are now if it were not for the support Sally offers on her blog.
A fabulous interview, ladies.
Hugs to you both.

A fabulous interview, Colleen. Sally, I laughed knowingly at how you perceived males and nodded my head at your wise advice on blogging. I’d love to see An Odd Job Girl on film. If it did happen who would you like to play you? xxx

Thanks Adele.. someone asked that and I quite like Lily James (Downton and Mama Mia) for the younger version and perhaps Keeley Hawes for the older one… who knows.. if you put it out there!!! hugs xxxx

How fabulous to pop by and find Sally featured here today! I love Sal getting her spotlight time, especially for how much she does for others.
And Sal, I’m with you, I’d love to see Just an Odd Job Girl in movie form! You know it’s my favorite book! <3 Great interview gals. I'd expect nothing less from both of you! <3 <3

Wonderful interview, Colleen – Sally is such a generous blogger. As a female who writes from a teenage male perspective, I whole-heartedly agree with Sally’s answer – men and women usually approach things differently.

Odd Job Girl on the big screen! I’d pay to see that! Oh, who would you like to have portray you in the film? Sally, you are certainly a talented woman who graces us with your energy no matter the source. Blog, social media, books… Thank you, for being so wiling and able, for this world is a better place as a result.

Thank you sister…. and very aware that it is a team not a spectator sport. No man or a woman is an island and without this community and its strength and generosity we would be talking to ourselves… as to who to play me.. I think that the younger me might suit Lily James of Downton and Mama Mia and the older me who is supposed to be 40/50s Keeley Hawes who is very versatile… Julie walters is wonderful too.. Who knows but I promise to take as many of you to the Oscars as I am allowed…LOL….♥

Lovely interview with a lovely lady! There were such great insights in this interview. I especially enjoyed learning How Tales of the Irish Garden came about. I’ve never heard of a Hummingbird Hawk Moth.
All the best to both of you, Sally and Colleen!

I do believe that blogging and marketing book is a fairly demanding and consuming job if you want to get the real benefit form it as Sally does. I do my best within my limited available time. It is always lovely to learn more about Sally. Her life is so interesting.

Considering your schedule Robbie I think your marketing is amazing.. and most of it is not self-marketing but engagement marketing with every cake that you bake and share, book review and now with your poetry readathon and showcase. People mistake marketing as a focus on a product when people love to connect in a much more personal way. You do that birlliantly. hugsxx

Thank you, Sally. I am having so much fun with the Poetry Readathon. I have a few poetry special mentions in mind which include bloggers like you and Debby who write poetry and the among all the other delightful posts they write and share.

I’ve been following Sally and her blog for a while now, love her stories, and have had the pleasure of translating one of her books. It is always great to learn a bit more about her (and I think any of her books would make great movies or TV series, although An Odd Job Girl would be fabulous, for sure)! Thanks Colleen, and good luck to Sally, a great writer and very generous blogger.

Thank you Olga and it is number one on the plan for 2019… it will need some updating as it was written in 2001 and things have moved on somewhat from a technical perspective but hopefully as the jobs are retrospective it will come together. hugs ♥

Great interview with Sally. “When two women get together, they talk out the problem and come up with a solution that usually does not require calling out the National Guard or dismantling half the kitchen.” I get your drift, Sally. This is a brilliant explanation!

Meet Author & Poet, Colleen M. Chesebro

Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist & Poet who loves writing paranormal fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, syllabic poetry, and creative nonfiction.
She loves all things magical, which may mean she is experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing poetry and storytelling. Colleen sponsors a Syllabic Poetry Challenge on her blog where participants can learn how to write traditional and current forms of Haiku, Senryu, Haiga, Tanka, Gogyoka, Tanka Prose, Haibun, Cinquain, Etheree, Nonet, and Shadorma poetry. Colleen is a Sister of the Fey, where she pursues a pagan path in her writing.
Colleen won the “Little and Laugh” Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the Carrot Ranch Literary Community in November 2017. In 2018, she won first place for the “Twisted Travel” category. In 2019, she placed second for the Three Act Story category, with her piece called “The Game.”
Colleen lives in Arizona with her husband. When she is not writing, she is reading. She also loves gardening and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art.

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